UPSC Prelims 2007 Q84: Geography – Indian Physical Geography
Which one among the following major cities is most eastward located?
- (a) Hyderabad
- (b) Bhopal
- (c) Lucknow
- (d) Raipur
Answer: (d) Raipur
Explanation
Which city lies farthest east? Compare longitudes
| City | Longitude (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Bhopal | 77.4° E |
| Hyderabad | 78.5° E |
| Lucknow | 80.9° E |
| Raipur | 81.6° E — farthest east |
A higher east longitude means a city lies further east.
Raipur is just east of Lucknow, though it is much further south.
Answer: (d) Raipur.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Hyderabad is at about 78.5° E.
- (b) Incorrect. Bhopal is at about 77.4° E — the farthest west of the four.
- (c) Incorrect. Lucknow (80.9° E) is close, but Raipur (81.6° E) is further east.
- (d) CORRECT. Raipur (~81.6° E) is the most eastward city among the options.
Key point
East-to-west: Raipur (81.6°) > Lucknow (80.9°) > Hyderabad (78.5°) > Bhopal (77.4°).
Remember
Raipur lies further east than Lucknow, Hyderabad and Bhopal.
Common mistakes
- Judging position by 'north-east feel' — Lucknow feels more eastern, but Raipur's longitude is higher.
- Mixing up latitude (north-south) with longitude (east-west).
- Forgetting that the 82.5° E standard meridian (IST) passes near Mirzapur — just east of Raipur.
Exam tip
Use the IST line (82.5° E, near Prayagraj/Mirzapur) as a ruler. Cities close to it (Raipur, Lucknow) are the most eastern of central India.
Sources
- Oxford School Atlas — India Political
- NCERT Class IX — Contemporary India I, Ch 1 (India: Size and Location)